Dogs in a chapel / church and crematorium

[LD_DOLL1611]

My 85 year old father has just passed away and we want to take our dog to his funeral as they totally loved each other to bits.
The dog knows he has gone as is very sad.
Does anyone know if a dog is allowed in a chapel or church and a crematorium ?

Thank You.

[woofgang]

well you can ask but are you SURE its a good idea. The dog might know his friend is dead but won't understand a funeral

[hc4361]

The dog will have no idea what is going on, may be disturbed by being amongst a crowd of people in an unfamiliar place.

Nice thought, but it isn't a good idea.

[Ratty2E]

I'm sorry to say I don't think it would be a good place for a dog either. Lots of strange people and noisy with the hymns and such. If it gets upset and starts barking or whining it's going to be upsetting for everyone.

[brenda]

I took my friends dog to her funeral , she was as good as gold , never moved from my side . She sat on my lap to the crematorium and was unbelievably well behaved. Interestingly enough , it was as though she understood , that it was a sad time, her taill was down throughout the proceedings , and only when we got to the small reception afterwards did she become her old self.

[jules77]

I know someone who died recently, and she expressed a wish that all three of her dogs attended her funeral. I didnt go, but I believe they were a credit to her.

[alexanderd]

I would have thought the size of the dog would have some bearing on the matter

[Jules001]

I recently drove past a local church where a funeral was obviously being held and there was a black Labrador outside on a lead waiting with the pall bearers, so it can happen, I suppose it does depend on the church etc.

[RATTER15]

A nice gesture but in reality who will benefit from taking the dogs, no one really, leave the dogs at home, much fairer on the dogs.

[wildwood]

With all due respect, a funeral is for the family and friends' benefit to have closure to the loss. The dearly departed couldn't care one way or another. Taking a dog to a funeral is just not kind, it is already upset by the loss and is likely to become confused.

A person that has passed on no longer emits pheromones or other familiar odours. In fact, the embalming would mask any possible familiar smell so, despite some sentimental stories, a dog will have no idea that his previous mate is there.

[net1961]

we took our small dog to our friends funeral after asking the crematorium as our dog came from our friends bredding kennels and she use to love him visiting her when she was in a carehome. he was well behaved and even got mentioned by the vicar as being a "relative" of our friend.

[TheWinner]

First of all, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.
With regards to your question, I would take the dog. If you are planning the funeral, then this is what you want. Go for it. Who is going to argue with you on such a sensitive day? Dogs become part of your family. If you want your dog there, take it.

[windsong]

If the dog is confident, unafraid of sudden noises and is calm around strange people, music etc, then take him/her as your last mark of respect for your Dad. Condolances to you.